All-Star point guard promotes Rose as MVP

March 29, 2011|By Around Town | Fred Mitchell and David Kaplan

Fellow point guards Jason Kidd and Steve Nash are on the Derrick Rose MVP bandwagon.

"He's definitely probably the MVP of this league," Kidd told us after Sunday night's Suns-Mavericks game in Phoenix. "He can affect this game by scoring and also by (assisting) his teammates. He is just going to get better, which is going to be a lot of fun to watch."

The Mavs' Kidd, who turned 38 Wednesday, is a 10-time NBA All-Star and was co-Rookie of the Year in 1995. The Suns' Nash is a two-time NBA MVP (2005, '06) and a seven-time All-Star.

"Derrick has been phenomenal this year," Nash said. "He's not only a terrific athlete, but he has turned into a terrific basketball player and he's a great kid. I have nothing but great things to say about him. … He is a worthy MVP this year."

After the 2004-05 season, Nash edged center Shaquille O'Neal for the league MVP honor, becoming only the third point guard (after Bob Cousy and Magic Johnson) to win the award.

Overheard: We asked Mike Quade, who grew up in Mt. Prospect, about his anticipated emotions during Friday's season-opener at Wrigley Field. "I'll take a moment and you probably would be better served to ask my folks, who will be there," he said. "It'll be great. I just tend to downplay all of that. … I am happiest for family and friends that can't believe (the Cubs) hired this knucklehead."